The Thai government says former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will soon be released on parole. He was given a prison sentence for corruption and other charges.

Current Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told reporters on Tuesday that Thaksin is on the list of those to be granted parole soon.

Thaksin was ousted from power in the 2006 coup, and had been in de facto exile. He returned to Thailand in August last year. He was sent to prison, but was soon hospitalized after complaining of ill health.

Srettha said parole was decided taking the ex-leader's age, illness and other factors into consideration.

The 74-year-old Thaksin is likely to return to his home at an early date.

He still has strong influence on Thai political circles, and observers say they will monitor his comments after his release.